It takes longer to apply and sets quickly, so must be applied in stages. Tiles must also be cleaned thoroughly before applying epoxy grout. Epoxy can discolour porous surfaces, such as natural stone, so these surfaces should be sealed prior to grouting, and an epoxy grout sealer can be used to finish the job.
Cons: Epoxy is expensive - somewhere around 3x-5x the cost of regular cementitious grout. Epoxy can yellow a bit as it ages and has a reputation for being difficult to install because of it's thicker consistency and quicker set time (for the record, we didn't find Ardex difficult to install at all).
Bubbles, uneven colouration, and a weak connection are just a few of the issues that can arise from overworking the epoxy grout while applying it.
How long do I need to allow my SPECTRALOCK PRO Premium Grout to cure before I take a shower? Your shower should be available for use in 48 - 72 hours when cured at 70°F (21°C).
You can regrout with epoxy over cement grout, as long as you remove enough of the existing cement for the epoxy to adhere.
When applied, epoxy grout forms a stronger & durable bond between the tiles, & due to its exciting benefits & strongest bond, it will have a life expectancy for minimum 10 years.
For most applications, especially in moisture-prone or high-traffic areas, epoxy grout offers superior performance and durability compared to traditional Portland-cement grout.
Epoxy grout won't crack, shrink, or discolour, making it ideal for applying in wet areas, such as showers. It's also highly resistant to the harsh chemicals found in cleaning products. As an added bonus, unlike traditional cement grout, epoxy grout does not need to be sealed, due to its non-porous nature.
Epoxy grout forms a waterproof barrier that prevents water from seeping through the grout lines, effectively stopping leaks in their tracks.
Epoxy grout is non-porous and resists mould and mildew growth. This makes epoxy grout ideal for wet areas such as bathrooms and kitchens.
Epoxy grout: Waterproof, durable, stain- and shrink-resistant. The best grout in shower walls, backsplashes and other surfaces susceptible to moisture or stains. Ideal for use with unglazed and other tiles.
Trying to remove epoxy grout which has been allowed to fully cure can be an absolute nightmare and can get very expensive due to the sheer amount of labour, chemicals and expertise it requires. There are different chemicals which can be used depending on the type and brand of epoxy grout used for the installation.
The main disadvantage is that it is harder to use than cement grout, requiring the mixing of several components in specific ratios. This leads to the second con in that if the application is done incorrectly, it can be harder to remedy as epoxy grout is less flexible than cement and has a shorter working time.
Epoxy grout is also the most expensive grout choice, however, it doesn't need a sealer, which can save time and money in the long run.
Starlike Grout from the Tile Doctor is by far the easiest, safest epoxy grout on the market, designed with safety, aesthetics, and easy workability in mind. Litokol products are trusted and respected in the construction and design industry worldwide, making Starlike Grout the leading designer grout.
Jim Whitfield, manager of Technical Services at Mapei told industry professionals, “Because epoxy grout is so tough, it wears extremely well. It doesn't wear down over time and become a tile gutter—like cement grout can—where all the dirt and liquid and junk collects.”
epoxy grout is a great choice when you are ready to re-grout a tile project. Because epoxy grout is so much stronger than other types of grout (particularly cement grout), you won't even need to remove all of your old grout. You can apply new grout right over the top of the old grout.
As to the greater expense, the durability of epoxy grout negates the difference in price simply because it lasts so much longer.
Too much deflection in the substrate, insufficient grout in the tile joints, excessive water when mixing grout, and inadequate room for expansion also cause the grout to keep cracking. In most cases, it's due to poor installation.
Sealers and various waxes can contain polymers that can discolor over time and cause yellowing. Numerous grout types are prone to yellowing. For example, white epoxy grouts are notorious for turning yellow. Certain cleaners, especially those that contain dyes, can cause discoloration of grout.
The Best Grout for Your Shower
We've already established that epoxy grout is a far better grout to use in a shower or in any other moist environment.
Epoxy grout is one of the best options for a DIY tiling project because it is highly durable, resistant to chemicals, nonporous, and has a long life with minimal maintenance required.
How Does The Grout Guy Restore Tile Grout? To restore your tile grout, our team of professionals will first do an inspection of the tiles to identify any damages or problems. Then they will remove the old grout and prepare the surface before applying epoxy grout.
Visually, an epoxy grout will be glossy whereas the cement-based grout should be flat.